Keep the Essence
A lot of my work involves working with existing built spaces, many of them heritage environments. A recurring challenge is to create recognizable links to existing historic detailing while clearly…
Good, Fast & Cheap
I pass a sign for a business near my place quite often that offers "Signage - great quality, fast service & low prices." I doubt it. If there is one…
The Chaotic Waterfall
I've been reading snippets from Twitter about different theories of design process lately and it got me curious about whether there's any theoretical basis for the way I work. Much…
Cross Pollination
Every year beekeepers from across the United States truck their bees to almond groves in California, where up to 80% of the world's almonds are grown. In fact, at the…
Strategic Creativity
I'm a big believer in intuition in the design process. Listening to that inner voice that guides us in weighing alternatives and making decisions can save us a lot of…
Beyond the Obvious
10,000 years ago, in the vast and featureless barren lands in the far north of what would eventually be Canada, the native Inuit hunters solved a tough wayfinding problem. There…
In Pursuit of Perfection
"Have no fear of perfection, you'll never reach it." - Salvador Dali Dali was on to something there. Perfection in design is like an exquisitely beautiful and delicate bird that…
Fly with NYC Parks
Paula Scher of Pentagram has recently completed an update of New York City's Parks Department identity. It's really nice work, well thought out and beautifully presented, just as you would…